BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, 16 OCTOBER 2026 — Social media personality and Casino Plus brand advocate Zeinab Harake Parks brought star power to Bacolod’s MassKara Festival 2026 on Friday, joining the highly anticipated Electric Float Parade in the city where hundreds of cheering festivalgoers gathered for an evening of spectacle, entertainment, and celebration.
Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), served as the official presenter and a major sponsor of this year’s festivities. The gaming platform made a striking impression with its 21-foot emerald-and-gold float, which illuminated the parade route with an elaborate display of lights and festive design.
At the center of the showpiece was a jeweled masquerade mask featuring Whimsy, the official Casino Plus mascot. Neon-lit scrollwork and glowing mask motifs accentuated the float’s design, creating a dazzling spectacle against the night sky.
Riding on the float’s upper deck, Zeinab greeted cheering spectators and waved to tourists and Bacolodnons at Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, joining the city’s vibrant celebration of smiles, culture, and community spirit.
Daniella Louisse Merelos, the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, also joined the parade along with Zeinab, drawing cheers from the crowd as they waved to festivalgoers.
Named among the Top 5 finalists of Miss Bacolod MassKara, Merelos said the title is about more than glamour, calling it a chance to connect with people and take part in meaningful community experiences.
‘“MassKara is more than just a festival. It is an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections. I’m excited to experience the diversity, joy, and vibrant spirit that make Bacolod unique,” Merelos said in an earlier interview with Casino Plus.
The 25-year-old added that she looks forward to joining more Casino Plus activities throughout the festival, where she can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.
MassKara Festival’s most anticipated highlight
Hundreds of Bacolodnons and tourists lined up in the Megaworld Upper East area as early as 4 p.m. to witness the electric float parade, as the event is considered one of the most anticipated highlights of MassKara Festival.
Among them was Audi Johnson, who set up their foldable chairs for one of the most anticipated highlights in MassKara. Audi said his 3-year-old daughter personally wanted to see the lights.
“Last year, ‘dun kami nakapuwesto sa dulo, hindi convenient kasi ‘di kami makapuwesto. Sa side lang ng kalsada. Mas kampante kami dito,” said Audi, who was accompanied by his wife. Asked what float he was most excited to see, he said, “Siyempre ‘yung Casino Plus!”
Meanwhile, Marvin Cadapan, a tourist from Makati, said he was starstruck when he saw Zeinab, saying the “Reyna ng Good Vibes” greeted her with a flying kiss when Casino Plus’ float went by.
Cadapan said watching the floats in the parade was one of his favorite highlights for MassKara, noting this is his first time attending the festivities.
“Sobrang saya kasi na-notice ako ni Zeinab [despite] so many people kanina. Very colorful ang float ng Casino Plus and malawak siya so kitang-kita namin ‘yung float ni Zeinab,” he said.
‘Arat na!’ Zeinab Celebrates with Bacolodnons
The festivities continued at Lacson Street during Casino Plus’ takeover, where Zeinab joined the MassKara celebration and engaged with festivalgoers in an evening of music, entertainment, and interactive activities.
Casino Plus also treated attendees to exciting prizes, including JBL speakers, an iPad, and other giveaways, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving participants more opportunities to take home memorable prizes.
Beyond the entertainment, the MassKara Festival remains an important platform for promoting Bacolod’s cultural identity and supporting local livelihoods.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation underscored the festival’s wider economic impact, noting that the influx of visitors generates business for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production crews, and small businesses.
“When visitors come to Bacolod, they support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production workers, and small businesses,” Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said.
Ascalon explained that the festival’s message, “Making MassKara Matter,” reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the celebration itself.
“We want the festival to have a positive impact beyond the event venues. We want the smile to reach the communities and the people who work behind the celebration,” he added.
Through its participation in MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus continues to bring entertainment and community engagement to one of the country’s most celebrated regional festivals, joining Bacolod in honoring the creativity, resilience, and joyful spirit that define the City of Smiles.
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This press release has also been published on VRITIMES